A storm is brewing over the appointment of Merceditas Gutierrez, the new head of the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC). But here's where it gets controversial: some senior citizens are vehemently opposing her, demanding her removal.
Gutierrez's move from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) to the NCSC has sparked controversy. The group "Seniors on the Move" launched a petition on change.org, expressing strong disapproval of Gutierrez's appointment. They cite her past, including an impeachment case, questioning her ability to lead, especially given allegations of negligence and inaction on corruption during her tenure as Ombudsman.
The group's petition questions whether Gutierrez is the right leader for senior citizens, highlighting her past impeachment and alleged failure to combat corruption. They are urging the Office of the President to reconsider her appointment, reopen the nomination process under the National Senior Citizens Act (RA 11350), and involve senior citizens' organizations in selecting a more suitable leader. Under RA No. 11350, the NCSC is tasked with promoting the health and well-being of senior citizens. The NCSC is composed of a chairperson and six commissioners with six-year terms each. To be eligible, candidates must meet specific criteria, including being Filipino citizens, at least 60 years old, of good moral character, and members of senior citizens' associations, among other qualifications.
Gutierrez's journey to the NCSC wasn't without its bumps. Appointed to the GSIS board in April 2023, she resigned after a tumultuous period. The GSIS leadership itself questioned her qualifications at the time of her appointment. Gutierrez, in turn, claimed attempts were made to remove her for revealing alleged anomalies within GSIS. She was the former chief presidential legal counsel and chairperson of the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission. In 2009, an impeachment case was filed against her, and she resigned before the trial could begin.
The core issue here is whether Gutierrez's past actions disqualify her from leading the NCSC. The situation raises critical questions about leadership, accountability, and the voice of the elderly. What do you think? Do you agree with the senior citizens' concerns? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
